Ellsworth resident Greg Heller was recognized Monday night at the regular meeting of the Ellsworth City Council. Heller was honored for being named Commissioner of the Year and also the Southwest Commissioner of the Year from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment. Heller is chairman of the Ellsworth Housing Authority, which oversees the Pines apartment complex. He accepted the job in March 2013 after the unexpected death of longtime leader Virgil Beougher.“Even though he had not been on the board too long, Greg didn’t hesitate to spring into action to report to the Pines as acting president to notify staff, board members and residents of our great loss,” executive director Jennifer Irsik wrote in her nomination letter.“He knew he had big shoes to fill, so with determination and a little trepidation, he delved in whole heartedly to keep the Pines - Ellsworth Housing Authority in the top notch character left by the legacy of Mr. Beougher.”

Pick up a copy of the July 17 edition of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter for more on this week's city council meeting.